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T.N.F. Planetary Dropship 'Ghost' Mk.IV (C)

"Glancing out the rear hatch window slit, he could see the three other Ghosts in the formation, their sunlit armor bright against the blackness of space. Armed with rotary autocannons and clad in sloped, gray-painted steel, the dropships of the strike carrier Carnage were closing in fast on their planned line of departure."
-From The Fleet Beyond Neptune

Originally designed to carry assault teams of six heavily equipped infantrymen to their target, the Ghost planetary dropship model is also used by the Fleet in a variety of other roles. Capable of planet-to-space transitions without a hydrogen propulsion system, and with a versatile airframe, the Ghost has been modified into several variants. These include heavy gunships, combat search-and-rescue crafts, and heavy escort fighters.

The Ghost Mk.IV Cargo Transport (or “C”-version) is specifically made for small-scale transport of cargo, typically moving construction components between planetary bases and orbital stations, or ore from dig sites. In prolonged military operations, a Ghost C may be tasked to support air- and ground forces by bringing spare ammunition, medical supplies and oxygen bottles. Carrying much less firepower than the gunship and multi-mission variants, the Ghost C’s gatling guns can still offer adequate protection against soft targets and small craft. In a pinch, the Ghost C can therefore also support air/ground-operations by fire.

Due to the Ghost-model's versatility, several of the Fleet's modern warships are being constructed with hangars specifically designed to carry its variants. An example of such ships is the Trespasser frigate.


Atmospheric entry:
● When entering a planet’s gravity pull from space, level the Ghost with the planet’s gravity, shut down its inertia dampeners, and let it free fall to the surface.
● When below 1000 m, engage the inertia dampeners and the ship will quickly slow down, and stop completely after around 150-300 m, depending on the planet’s size and gravity. Alternatively, the dropship’s parachute can be used.

Atmospheric launch:
● Turn on ion thrusters, level the dropship with the planet’s gravity, and engage full upward thrust.
● The Ghost will enter a transition phase in the planet’s upper atmosphere, where it will temporarily lose speed. Keep the thrusters at full burn, and the dropship will begin to accelerate again after it reaches around 50 m/s, depending on the planet’s size and gravity, and the weight of your cargo.
● At this point the ion thrusters deliver enough thrust, and the dropship can continue to maneuver in orbit, or continue into space.



General characteristics:
● Crew: 1x Pilot + 2x Passengers
● Length: 13 m
● Width: 10,5 m
● Height: 4,5 m

Armaments:
● 2x 25mm Gatling Turrets
● 6x 25mm Fixed Gatling Guns

Cargo carrying capacity:
● 1x Large Cargo Container
● 1x Downward facing Connector

Features:
● Capable of atmospheric entry and launch (with container at <50% capacity).
● Radar panel which marks friendly units running the same script, and enemy/neutral ships targeted by the dropship’s turrets.
● Internal and external information screens showing the dropship’s heading, position relative to an horizon, ammunition and fuel storage, and damage diagnostics.
● T.N.F. markings, using the Fleet’s logo converted to monospace by Whiplash141.
● Spare hydrogen and oxygen bottles, tools, weapons and ammo in cockpit.
● Air vent with depressurize on, which renews the cockpits oxygen supply when in atmosphere, or in a hangar.
● An internal projector to aid in repairing the ship.
● Survival ready!


Known issues:
● None at the moment.

Acknowledgements:
● The radar panel uses Whip’s Turret Based Radar script by Whiplash141.
● The information screens use MMaster's LCD 2 script.
● The screen showing the planet's horizon and the dropship's heading is using Whip's Artificial Horizon Redux script by Whiplash141.
● Diagnostics screen is using the Manual Refresh Floor Plan Script Mk1 by Alysius.